Council Position On King Salmon's Bid For Expansion In The Marlborough Sounds

A range of opinions, from those who are for and against the application by New Zealand King Salmon, is being aired in the media.

Salmon farming, at eight of the nine sites proposed by New Zealand King Salmon, is a prohibited activity under the current Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan.

This case has gone to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Council is not intending to participate in public debate over individual points as the Board of Inquiry set up by the EPA is now the correct arena for this discussion.

The Council has stated that

• It is legally responsible for the implementation of the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan so it has lodged a submission which defends that Plan
• An ad hoc planning decision to approve a new zone for the sole benefit of one applicant would undermine the integrated nature of the existing Plan
• If approved, this application would have far-reaching precedent-setting implications for future activity in the Marlborough Sounds
• By taking a position with its submission (rather than lodging a neutral submission), Council will have opportunity to participate in the full hearing process in front of the Environmental Protection Authority.